Factors affecting the biodegradation of toluene in soil

摘要: Abstract The biodegradation of toluene in soil microcosms was examined order to identify the physical, chemical, and biological factors which determine fate lifetime organic chemicals soils. Toluene degradation rates were proportional initial substrate concentration these reached a maximum at 200 μg/g. No occurred above this presumably due toxicity hydrocarbon microorganisms. Small differences observed soils different moisture content. However, availability water appeared limit only very low also related level activity metabolized rapidly those initially contained high levels degrading Furthermore, exposure resulted an increase number organisms. lack inorganic nutrients such as nitrogen prevented complete clay is not intrinsic property molecule cannot be predicted without first delineating environment it found. compound defined by biological, chemical characteristics environment. results from combination all three parameters.